John Elway: Jim Kelly "represents toughness"

Denver Broncos GM VP of Football Operations John Elway says Jim Kelly embodies toughness - a quality that has him well-equipped to battle cancer.

The NFL’s top officials are gathered in Orlando this week for the owners meetings. But the recent health setback to Bills Hall of Fame QB Jim Kelly is on the minds of many in the hallways and lobbies of the Ritz Carlton in Orlando.

Kelly’s had a long standing relationship with Hall of Fame QB John Elway. They were both part of the legendary QB draft of 1983 and have remained friends for decades.

Today at the owners meetings, Elway, the Denver Broncos General Manager and Executive Vice President of Football Operations, told us Kelly’s recent bout with cancer is tough for his friends to handle.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to Jim and his family,” Elway told The John Murphy Show in Orlando. “I know what a tough guy he is, he’s proven that in his years in the NFL. Obviously, the last couple of years he’s been struggling with some of the health issues. Our hearts and prayers go out to him and hopefully everything works out for him.”

My thoughts and prayers go out to Jim Kelly and his family! There's not a stronger or tougher guy to handle this battle!!

Elway says Jim Kelly’s defining personality trait is his toughness, and that should serve him well in the weeks and months ahead.

“There’s no question,” said Elway. “He was a tough guy and I think when you think of Jim Kelly, that’s what he represents. Hopefully that toughness gets him through this next challenge that he has in front of him.”